Eufemio da Messina Half Marathon

A half marathon in the heart of Messina

The "Eufemio da Messina" Half Marathon is the road race that brings the center of the city on the Strait to life every year. The event takes place entirely within the Municipality of Messina, Sicily, on a traffic-free urban circuit that athletes complete multiple times. The flagship distance is the classic half marathon, 21.097 km, officially certified and recognized by FIDAL.

The race program

The event is not just for elite marathoners: the day includes several races designed to involve the entire city.

• "Eufemio da Messina" Half Marathon – 21.097 km, FIDAL competitive race;
• Shakespeare Run – 10.548 km, open to all running enthusiasts;
• Shakespeare Run – Young – races reserved for youth categories (Esordienti, Ragazzi, Cadetti);
• Fitwalking – non-competitive walk for those who want to experience the race atmosphere.

The course and landmarks

The route follows a 5.274 km loop that winds through the city center, touching Viale Garibaldi, Via dei Mille, and Viale San Martino, with a characteristic passage through Piazza Duomo. Shakespeare Run athletes complete the loop twice, while half marathoners repeat it four times. The start and finish lines are located in Piazza Unione Europea, in front of Palazzo Zanca, the city hall.

Organization and spirit of the race

The event is organized by Polisportiva Odysseus Messina in collaboration with the municipal administration and with FIDAL recognition. The race awards the top three men and women in the overall standings, as well as the top three finishers in each FIDAL category. Over the years, the "Eufemio da Messina" has become a staple of the Sicilian running scene, attracting hundreds of athletes from across the region.

Messina, city of the Strait

Running a half marathon in Messina means crossing one of Sicily's most scenic cities, overlooking the Strait and dominated by the Cathedral and its famous bell tower. The province of Messina, with its 19th-century boulevards and waterfront, provides an ideal urban backdrop for a road race that blends sport, tourism, and local identity.